Category: Agriculture
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Comparing Kisan Aandolan 1.0 and 2.0
The Kisan Aandolan, or farmers’ movement, in India has seen two phases – Kisan Aandolan 1.0 and Kisan Aandolan 2.0. The first protest took place between November 2020 and December 2021, while the second unfolded from February 2024 to March 2025. Both protests aimed to address farmers’ grievances but differed vastly in their execution and…
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Mexico’s Constitutional Reform on Native Corn Protection
Recently, Mexico made move to safeguard its agricultural heritage by amending its Constitution and recognises native corn as a vital element of national identity. It also bans the planting of genetically modified (GM) seeds. This decision is a response to ongoing debates surrounding trade, sovereignty, and the preservation of maize biodiversity. Corn as a Cultural…
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Parliament Committee’s Recommendations for Farm Workers’ Welfare
The Standing Committee of Parliament on Agriculture has proposed reforms to enhance the welfare of farm workers in India. Chaired by Charanjit Singh Channi, the committee’s recommendations aim to better reflect the role of farm labourers in agricultural policy. Proposals for Renaming the Ministry The committee suggests changing the name of the ‘Department of Agriculture…
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Soil Fertility Mapping in India
The Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) is pioneering a transformative project aimed at enhancing soil health through digital soil fertility mapping. This initiative utilises geo-spatial techniques and data from Soil Health Cards (SHC) to provide farmers with essential information for optimising agricultural practices. The project has successfully generated soil fertility maps for…
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Wheat and Sugar Crop Outlook for 2025
The agricultural landscape in 2025 presents a mixed picture for key rabi crops, particularly wheat and sugar. As the wheat harvest approaches, uncertainties linger regarding yields. Simultaneously, sugar production faces challenges that could impact food inflation. Current Wheat Production Status Wheat is important rabi crop in India. As of early 2025, the government holds around…
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Cotton Industry Challenges in India
In recent years, the cotton industry in North India has faced challenges. The emergence of whiteflies and pink bollworms has drastically reduced cotton yields and cultivation areas. In Punjab, cotton was grown on merely one lakh hectares in 2024, a stark decline from eight lakh hectares three decades earlier. This reduction has severely impacted the…
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Soyabean Market Trends and Government Procurement Challenges
In recent months, the Indian soyabean market has faced challenges despite government interventions. The central government has procured 20 lakh tonnes of soyabean, yet wholesale prices remain stagnant. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of procurement strategies and market dynamics. Current Procurement Status The Government of India has set ambitious procurement targets for soyabean,…
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India’s Strategic Shift in Fertiliser Consumption
India is undergoing transformation in its fertilizer consumption strategy. This shift aims at reducing reliance on imported high-analysis fertilisers such as urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and muriate of potash (MOP). The need for this change arises from the high import dependency of these fertilisers. Recently, the government emphasises balanced fertilisation for better crop yield and…
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Sustainable Agriculture and Tribal Communities in India
India has made strides in promoting sustainable agriculture over the past decade. The focus on organic farming has intensified, with terms like zero-budget farming and chemical-free practices increasingly featured in government policies. This shift has resulted in remarkable growth in the organic farming sector, with substantial increases in area, production, and exports. Growth of Organic…
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Lumpy Skin Disease Vaccine Biolumpivaxin Approved
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) poses threat to cattle health and the dairy industry in India. The recent approval of Biolumpivaxin, a vaccine developed by Biovet, marks a very important moment in combating this disease. This vaccine is notable for being the world’s first Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) marker vaccine. It aims to enhance…
